Printing on Tissue Paper

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Linda Matthews

I’m taking a break during December, but please enjoy some of my previously published articles and tutorials.

Image Transfer

One of my favorite techniques is image transfer. Mostly I like to transfer images directly to fabric using various methods, however sometimes I also like to transfer images to “fabric paper”. “Fabric paper” can be made using many different methods, but it’s main features are that you can create unusual texture and of course, you can sew on it.

Making “fabric paper” using plain old tissue paper is one of my favorite types of “fabric paper”. I like the texture and the softness and it’s simple to do.

This video demonstrates a method of transferring an image to tissue paper and then … Continue reading →

The Faceoff: Bubble Jetset 2000 v Digital Grounds

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Linda Matthews

Bubble Jetset 2000 versus Digital Grounds If you love to print on fabric as much as I do, it’s easy to get confused by the various products that are available for this purpose, and the two products I get asked about most frequently are Bubble Jetset 2000 and Digital Grounds.

The most common question .. Is one product better than the other?

The short answer .. No, because Bubble Jetset 2000 and Digital Grounds are two totally different products used for two totally different reasons.

Bubble Jetset 2000 is used to make your inkjet prints permanent and washable. The images are water resistant and waterproof.
Digital Grounds is used to prepare the surface of your fabric (or any other flat surface) so that you can print on it using an inkjet printer. It enhances the color and detail of the printed image. The image needs to be sealed in some way in order to become water resistant and/or waterproof.

The only things they have in common are that both products can be used with fabric for the purpose of printing images onto fabric using your inkjet printer; this is where the similarity ends.

To expand a little …

Bubble Jetset 2000

Bubble Jetset: Embellished Dragon What it is
Bubble Jetset is a liquid solution that looks like water.

What it does
Bubble Jetset 2000 allows you to prepare fabric (100% cotton or 100% silk only) so that you can print images on fabric using your inkjet printer.

Are the images waterproof?
Yes, the printed images are permanent and washable.

How to use it
You use Bubble Jetset by soaking your fabric in the solution for 5 minutes, allow the fabric to dry, then iron it. Your fabric is now ready to print on although you will need to first secure it to a carrier sheet. Allow the print to dry for 30 minutes and then rinse the fabric in a mild detergent such as Bubble Jetset Rinse.

Where to get it
Bubble Jetset can sometimes be found in your local quilt or sewing store. You can also purchase online from various sources including the manufacturer C Jenkins Co.

More information
Additional information can be found on the manufacturer’s website – C Jenkins Co.

Digital Grounds

Digital Grounds: Crackle Paste What it is
Digital grounds is a liquid solution that you paint onto the surface of fabric (or other types of flat surfaces) using a paint brush. It comes in three liquid types categorized for use on porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces, and a quick-dry solution for a multitude of surfaces. It is similar to Inkaid.

What it does
Digital Grounds prepares just about any relatively flat surface (including fabric) into an ink-jet printable surface. It enhances the color and detail of your inkjet print.

How to use it
You paint digital grounds on to the surface of your fabric (or other type of substrate) using a paint brush, allow it to dry, then attach the substrate to a printer carrier before printing your image.

Are the images waterproof?
No. The printed image then needs to be sealed in some way to prevent dirt and water damage.

Where to get it
Digital grounds is not available in stores (to the best of my knowledge) but you can get it online and I recommend DickBlick.com.

More information
A lot of information about using digital grounds to print on fabric can be found on my website here. Additional information can be found on the manufacturer’s website – Golden Products.

Still got questions? Use the comment box below.

… Continue reading →

Things To Do With Injured Prints

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Linda Matthews

Before I upgraded to my new wide format Epson printer, I was using an old HP wide format to print my large images. It did a fair enough job but it was rather finicky about what what I fed through it and this resulted in a number of very large prints with some sort of misprint.

You can see on this photo that there is a stripe running through the print. This happened when the paper carrier got caught and wouldn’t feed although the printer kept printing. So it printed over the same section a few times before I managed to free it. As you can also see, it was only a few inches from the end of the print which was about 11″ x 15″ in size so it was a little annoying when it happened.

Image Transfer Wallet

I didn’t throw the print out knowing that one day I would find a use for it. And that day finally arrived when earlier this week I decided I needed a new wallet and this print was the perfect size once I trimmed away the misprinted piece. The finished size of the wallet is about 7.1/2″ x 4.1/2″ folded …

Image Transfer Wallet

… and about 11.1/2″ open. I used digital grounds to print the image so the color is very vibrant, and then I sealed it with a paint-on sealer so now the fabric is protected from dirt and grime and needs only a wipe to clean it, and it can also withstand the rough use that a wallet usually gets.

Image Transfer Wallet

The great thing about designing your own purses and wallets, is that you can make them to your own specifications and include extra pockets and holders as needed, so I added an open pocket for notes and a zipped pocket for change.

Image Transfer Wallet

I made the center section flip, so on the other side I have a pocket with a tab so I can store other bits and pieces securely, and also another open pocket for receipts and my check book.

Image Transfer Wallet

I edged it with some machine wrapped cording and a zig-zag stitch, and added a small unobtrusive snap for closure. I like the way the wallet turned out and I like it even more because I finally found a use for the print. Now, I just need to find uses for the other dozens of *injured* prints that I have lying around!

Image Transfer Wallet

… Continue reading →

Handmade Journals

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Linda Matthews

Handmade Fabric Journal When I began using digital grounds to print the artwork for my art bags, I always began by first printing a smaller print to test the design for color, composition and any apparent design problems. As you may recall, these test prints were just the right size to make journal covers which I’ve been using for gifts, but I’ve also had requests from others for my journals so I’ve decided to add some of my favorite designs to the store.

I love these journals and I now use one myself as an “ideas journal” to capture all those little ideas that seem to come at the oddest times; it’s the perfect size to stuff in my bag and carry with me whenever I go out. And because of the special process used to prepare them the cover is very durable but flexible, almost like fine leather but with beautiful surface texture and of course beautiful imagery, so they can take a lot of wear and tear.

These are the designs that are currently available so if you’d like your very own digital art journal, you can rush right over to the store for details and pricing. If you don’t see anything that you can’t live without I will be adding other designs so check back in a couple of days.

I’m also considering doing custom orders, so if you have your own artwork that you’d like turned into a beautiful journal cover, get in touch for details.

And of course if you have any questions, you know what to do.

… Continue reading →

“Poppy” Art Bag

Posted on March 5, 2010 by Linda Matthews

I posted the other day about a journal cover I made using a digital art piece called “Poppy”. I really like this particular design so I used the design again to make this art bag. These art bags are made using digital art printed onto fabric treated with digital grounds and they are approximately 9″ high x 12″ long x 3″ wide.

I love this bag! The art bags, as well as being *art*, are also functional and this one hasn’t left my side since I finished it. It’s just big enough to hold my important stuff and I’ve taken it everywhere with me. It’s one of those accessories that just make you feel good, like a favorite piece of jewelry or a favorite dress. You can almost feel spring just around the corner.

Poppy Art Bag